2005 Costa Russi
By Gaja
2005 Costa Russi by Gaja, Piedmont, Italy
In the library of Italian fine wines, the 2005 Costa Russi from Gaja is an unmissable chapter. This exceptional vintage notably stands out in the narrative of Gaja's extensive winemaking history, dedicating itself to crafting some of Italy's most admired Nebbiolo-based wines.
A Vintage to Remember
The 2005 vintage was a year of contrast: an overly hot summer gave way to a cool and wet harvest season. But these challenging climatic conditions only highlighted Gaja's viticultural prowess, crafting a vintage that expressed both the struggle and triumph from that year. This is no generic Nebbiolo – it’s a testament to the vineyard's resilience in adversity.
Upon a sip, one can instantly recognise the wine’s elegant power and remarkable depth. An intricate interplay unfolds where ripe cherry notes meet subtle undertones of dried herbs and flowers—a choreographed dance that articulates an insight into the complexities of Piedmont’s prestigious terroir.
A Stamp of Investment Excellence
For fine wine investors, adding the 2005 Costa Russi from Gaja to their portfolio is a distinctive move. Not only does it anchor their collection with a world-renowned Italian vintage, but it also promises excellent ageing potential—a true powerhouse Nebbiolo that stands firm against time.
Ultimately, any collection without this cornerstone could arguably lack a significant pillar in the canon of Italy’s top-notch wines.
Revisiting 2005's Epic Display
The intrigue and allure surrounding this noteworthy wine are undeniably compelling. The vintage year's climatic challenges and triumphs are forever encapsulated into this layered and harmonious wine. Get a glimpse into 2005, the year that truly distinguished Costa Russi from Gaja as a wine worth of admiration and investment.
As a final thought, the 2005 Costa Russi by Gaja is more than just a bottle of fine wine—it's an inflection in the narrative of Italian viticulture, a conversation starter for investors and enthusiasts, and ultimately, one of the finest expressions of Nebbiolo from this exacting estate.
Market price (GBP)
£3,560.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
222.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 2005 Costa Russi shimmers on the palate with extraordinary grace. The wine boasts wonderful depth and richness in its dark red fruit in a round, generous style that offers lovely balance to the tannins. Notes of tar, smoke and licorice develop in the glass, adding a touch of complexity and nuance that is sometimes missing in this bottling. The French oak is present, but deftly balanced with the wine’s other components. As always, Costa Russi comes across as relatively accessible when young, but it is sure to only improve with age. Recent bottles of the 1985 have been nothing short of glorious. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. I was blown away by Angelo Gaja’s 2005 wines from Barbaresco. When all is said and done, Gaja may have well produced not the wine, but rather the wines of the vintage in a year that was excellent but not profound. While Gaja’s 2005 don’t have the explosive, multi-dimensional personalities of his 2004s, they are vibrant offerings that will thrill readers who love Piedmont wines. As always, Gaja blends in a small percentage of Barbera in his single-vineyard wines, but that is hardly noticeable in this vintage. I also noted less new oak than has generally been the case in the recent past. The wines showcase very pure expressions of Nebbiolo and are made in a style that appears to make fewer concessions to the decidedly international approach of previous vintages. In short, these are the most Piedmontese wines I have tasted from Angelo Gaja in a long time. Could it be that the greatest innovator in Piedmont over the last thirty five-plus years has taken a small step towards a more classic style? Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 29 October 2008